All You Need Is (Facebook) Love ‘Compliments’ Accounts Go Viral at Colleges and Universities
On a cold, rainy day at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, four undergraduate students sat around their kitchen table, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of their academic workloads. In an effort to lift their spirits—and those of their peers—they came up with an idea: a Facebook page that would spread positivity and appreciation throughout their campus community.
Thus, Queen’s U Compliments was born. Created by third-year students Rachel Albi, Erica Gagne, Jessica Jonker, and Amanda Smurthwaite, the page allowed fellow students to anonymously share kind words about one another. The founders took on the task of posting these compliments from the account, and soon, the page began to take on a life of its own.
Launched on September 12, the Queen’s U Compliments page quickly garnered attention, attracting over 4,000 followers and receiving more than 1,300 submissions of praise. The initiative not only uplifted the spirits of their fellow students but also sparked a wave of similar pages at colleges and universities across North America—and even Europe. As of this week, the founders established a private Facebook group, University Compliments, to unite all the Compliments pages into one collective effort.
The founders estimate that, together, these pages now have over 35,000 followers, and the number continues to grow. What began as a small act of kindness has blossomed into a larger movement of positivity, inspiring students and campuses worldwide.
The Queen’s U Compliments page has become a hub for effusive praise, with posts describing students as “the human equivalent of a ray of sunshine,” “the inspiration for Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect,’” and “the Queen of Queen’s.” Some compliments take on a more flirtatious tone, such as “I want to wrap him up like a present and give him to myself for Christmas” or “She’ll make your drink come out of your nose with laughter, and she’ll make tears pour from your eyes when you realize you’ll NEVER HAVE HER.” The founders, aware of the personal nature of the compliments, opted to create a Facebook People account rather than a Page so they could tag those being celebrated. If they are not already friends with the person being complimented, they send a friend request to connect.
For the four founders, Queen’s U Compliments serves a larger purpose: to foster a more positive and supportive atmosphere on campus, especially in light of past tragedies. Between 2010 and 2011, the campus was rocked by several student deaths, both suicides and accidents, including two occurring within a single week. Reports of Facebook bullying within the School of Music further underscored the need for such a platform. Inspired by the initiative, the School of Music’s student council encouraged students to share positive notes about one another on Post-its as a way to spread goodwill.
Co-founder Amanda Smurthwaite sees the project as a means to help students support each other. “We thought it was a really great way to help students help other students,” she says. Rachel Albi compares the project to the 2000 film Pay It Forward, where small acts of kindness ripple outward, ultimately making the world a better place.
Maintaining the page has become a considerable time commitment for the founders. They receive up to 50 submissions a day, mostly between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m., once students have finished their academic work. Collectively, the four spend approximately eight hours daily reviewing and posting these compliments, sometimes sending submissions back to authors if they contain too many inside jokes. All of this is done alongside their demanding academic schedules, which include coursework, essays, campus jobs, community service, and extracurricular activities. Albi, Jonker, and Smurthwaite are all enrolled in the rigorous concurrent education program at Queen’s, which leads to a teaching certification upon completion.
The Genesis of Compliments
It all started on a rainy afternoon in 2011 when four students at Queen’s University—Rachel Albi, Erica Gagne, Jessica Jonker, and Amanda Smurthwaite—were feeling weighed down by the stress of their academic workloads. Looking for a way to lift their spirits and those of their peers, they launched Queen’s U Compliments on Facebook. The idea was simple: students could anonymously submit compliments about their classmates, and the founders would post them on the page, creating a virtual space for positivity and appreciation.
“Queen’s University was going through a tough time,” Albi explains. “There had been several student deaths, including suicides, and there was a real sense of sadness on campus. We wanted to do something that would contribute to the community and foster a sense of connection, support, and kindness.”
The idea quickly resonated. Within weeks of launching, Queen’s U Compliments attracted thousands of followers and hundreds of anonymous compliments. The posts, often effusive and heartfelt, ranged from sweet to funny to flirtatious. Some described students as “the human equivalent of a ray of sunshine” or “the inspiration for Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect,’”. In contrast, others playfully boasted, “I want to wrap him up like a present and give him to myself for Christmas.”
Soon, the page’s success began to inspire similar initiatives at other universities. As students across North America and Europe caught wind of Queen’s U Compliments, they began to create their versions. What began as one page has now expanded into a global network of compliments pages, with over 56 universities launching their accounts—each carrying forward the same message of kindness and community support.
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The Rise of a New Social Media Movement
By the end of 2011, the founders of Queen’s U Compliments had launched a private Facebook group called University Compliments, aimed at uniting all the campus-based pages. The initiative quickly gained traction. In the years since, these Compliments pages have collectively amassed more than 35,000 followers and sparked similar movements across the digital landscape.
The appeal of Compliments pages lies in their simplicity. Unlike other social media platforms that often thrive on controversy or competition, Compliments pages are about lifting people up. The anonymity of the submissions allows students to express appreciation without fear of judgment, creating a space for both genuine recognition and lighthearted humor.
However, these pages also address deeper issues facing college communities. Many Compliments pages were created in response to mental health challenges and bullying on campus. At Queen’s, for example, the initiative was designed to create a more positive atmosphere in the wake of several student deaths and growing concerns over mental health. Similarly, at the School of Music at Queen’s, students turned to Compliments after reports of Facebook bullying circulated. In fact, the student council at the School of Music asked students to write nice things about each other on Post-it notes and post them on a wall for a day—a project inspired by Queen’s U Compliments.
“We thought it was a really great way to help students help other students,” says co-founder Smurthwaite. “In a time when so much of social media can be negative, this is something that shows how simple acts of kindness can make a difference.”
A Global Movement of Kindness
The spread of Compliments pages across the globe is a testament to the desire for positivity in a world that sometimes seems filled with negativity. What started as a small initiative at Queen’s University is now a worldwide movement, and it continues to grow every day. Universities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe have all joined in, launching their own Compliments pages and spreading kindness far beyond campus borders.
The founders of Queen’s U Compliments have seen firsthand how their project has evolved from a local endeavor to an international sensation. “It’s incredible to see how something that started as a small idea can grow into something so much bigger,” says Albi. “The Compliments pages have created a global community of kindness and support, and it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of.”
The Challenges of Spreading Positivity
While the Compliments pages have flourished, they are not without their challenges. Managing the pages is no small feat. On any given day, Queen’s U Compliments receives dozens of submissions—often late at night, after students have finished their homework and classes. The founders spend hours reviewing and posting the compliments, sometimes sending submissions back to the authors if they contain too many inside jokes or are not suitable for the platform.
“We try to keep the tone lighthearted and positive,” says Jonker. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued, but also where the compliments are respectful and inclusive.”
Despite the workload, the founders remain committed to maintaining the page. They view it as a labor of love—one that not only brings joy to others but also contributes to the mental health and well-being of their campus community.
The Future of Compliments
As Compliments pages continue to thrive, their founders are looking toward the future. They hope to expand the movement even further, collaborating with other universities, mental health organizations, and student groups to amplify the message of kindness and connection.
The rise of Compliments pages is a powerful reminder of the potential for social media to bring people together rather than divide them. In an era where negativity often dominates our digital interactions, these pages offer a refreshing alternative: a space where all you need is a little love—and a good compliment—to make someone’s day.
Ultimately, the viral success of Compliments accounts highlights a growing desire among students to foster supportive, positive, and connected communities. And as more universities join the movement, it seems clear that the message is resonating: kindness is contagious, and with a little encouragement, it can spread far and wide—across campuses, continents, and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ‘Compliments’ accounts?
Compliments accounts on Facebook are pages created by students to allow peers to anonymously submit positive comments and compliments about members of their university community. These accounts are typically run by a small group of students who review and post compliments on the page, often tagging the person being complimented (if they are friends with them on Facebook).
How did the Compliments account movement start?
The movement began in September 2011 at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, when four students—Rachel Albi, Erica Gagne, Jessica Jonker, and Amanda Smurthwaite—created Queen’s U Compliments. Their goal was to spread positivity and uplift their peers during a challenging period for the campus. Their simple idea quickly gained traction, and other universities began creating their own Compliments pages. The movement has since expanded globally, with dozens of universities now hosting similar accounts.
Why are students using Compliments accounts?
Students use Compliments accounts to spread positivity and celebrate their peers. The platform’s anonymity allows students to share sincere praise without the fear of judgment, and the posts often highlight qualities such as kindness, humor, intelligence, or unique talents. These pages provide a space for students to appreciate one another, especially in environments where stress and mental health challenges are prevalent.
Who can submit a compliment?
Anyone with access to the Compliments account can submit a compliment, though submissions are typically anonymous. Some pages allow users to send their compliments via direct message to the account administrators, while others have specific submission forms or processes. The founders or administrators then review and post the submissions on the page.
How do the founders decide which compliments to post?
The administrators of Compliments pages typically review each compliment to ensure that it is respectful and appropriate. Compliments that include too many inside jokes or that might be misunderstood are often sent back to the author for clarification or revision. The goal is to maintain a positive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated.
Are Compliments pages linked to any specific causes?
Yes, many Compliments pages are part of more extensive efforts to improve campus culture and promote mental health awareness. For example, Queen’s U Compliments was created in response to several student deaths, both suicides and accidents and the subsequent need for community support. These pages have also served as a counterpoint to bullying, helping to create safer, more positive spaces online and on campus.
Are Compliments pages intended to be a substitute for face-to-face communication?
No, Compliments pages are not meant to replace real-life interactions. Instead, they are an additional way for students to recognize and appreciate one another in an online space. The idea is to spread positivity digitally, but this often encourages students to engage with each other more warmly in person as well.
Can Compliments pages be used for flirting or dating?
While Compliments pages are primarily intended to foster positivity and kindness, some posts may have flirtatious undertones. Many accounts, however, try to keep the tone inclusive and avoid overly personal or romantic messages that might make others uncomfortable. The focus is generally on appreciation rather than attraction.
Conclusion
The viral spread of Compliments accounts across colleges and universities marks a refreshing shift in the way social media is used on campus. Born out of a desire to counteract the negativity that often surrounds online interactions, these pages have become powerful tools for fostering kindness, connection, and community. What began as a simple idea at Queen’s University has now sparked a global movement, inspiring students around the world to share anonymous, heartfelt praise for their peers.
In a time when mental health concerns and feelings of isolation are prevalent among students, Compliments pages offer a much-needed antidote. They provide a platform for positivity and inclusivity, allowing students to uplift one another, celebrate diversity, and feel seen. Whether through a lighthearted remark or a deeply personal message of support, these compliments help to create a space where kindness is the norm, not the exception.
